The Adventures of Sam Spade: Crab Louie Caper 03/02/1951

Summary

Summary of "The Adventures of Sam Spade: Crab Louie Caper"

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Adventures of Sam Spade: Crab Louie Caper
Original Air Date: March 2, 1951
Release Date: July 12, 2025

---

Introduction

In the thrilling episode titled "Crab Louie Caper," hosted by Choice Classic Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio to follow the intricate case of Sam Spade, one of radio's most iconic detectives. This episode masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and classic detective work, immersing the audience in a tale of jealousy, betrayal, and murder set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco's North Beach.

The Crime

The story begins with Sam Spade visiting Bartolomeo Maggiore, a character with whom he shares a complicated relationship. Their conversation hints at underlying tensions and sets the stage for the central mystery.

Key Moments:

• [01:00] Sam Spade arrives at Bartolomeo's establishment under the guise of a social call but is quickly confronted with evidence of foul play: a knife gash on his coat.
  • Sam Spade: "Nothing at all, sweetheart. I just happen to have the tourist lists of handy Italian phrases before me." [01:05]

The crux of the episode revolves around the mysterious death of Louis Maggiore, a renowned crab fisherman, who reportedly perished under suspicious circumstances while aboard his crab boat, the San Felipe.

Critical Information:

• [05:02] Louis Maggiore has been missing for a week, and his friend, Dominic Torio, is the prime suspect.
  • Fosky: "In the racket of the police? Signor, my Louis died in an accident. In the hearts of his friends, he was murdered." [06:07]

Investigation

Sam Spade delves deep into the case, navigating through a web of deceit and hidden motives.

Notable Interactions:

• [11:03] Sam confronts Bartolomeo Maggiore about the true nature of Rosalia's feelings towards Dominic, revealing complex emotional dynamics.

  • Sam Spade: "You're a Sicilian, Rosalia. Vengeance is pretty important to you." [10:44]

• [14:02] Dominic Torio attempts to intimidate Sam, hinting at deeper layers of the conspiracy.

  • Dominic Torio: "What am I supposed to do." [07:13]

Sam's relentless pursuit leads him to uncover crucial evidence linking the mysterious wax found aboard the San Felipe to a significant financial motive.

Pivotal Discovery:

• [22:04] Sam reveals the discovery of Padlo Ambergris, a valuable substance essential for perfume manufacturing, indicating a potential lucrative motive.
  • Sam Spade: "Padlo Ambergris. It's what happens when a whale gets a tummy ache." [23:49]

Revelations

As the investigation progresses, alliances crumble, and truths emerge, painting a clearer picture of the events leading to Louis Maggiore's demise.

Dramatic Confrontation:

• [15:21] Sam arranges a meeting with Dominic Torio at Castellani's Grotto, where Dominic's true identity and motives begin to surface.

  • Dominic Torio: "You don't believe I'm Louie Maggiore?" [14:08]

• [25:10] A heated exchange ensues between Sam and Dominic, culminating in a physical confrontation that unravels Dominic's facade.

  • Sam Spade: "I make a lot of my dough with my big flat feet, but I do make some of it with my head." [14:55]

Conclusion

In a gripping finale, Sam Spade pieces together the motive and method behind Louis Maggiore's death. The resolution not only exonerates Dominic Torio but also uncovers the true antagonist behind the caper.

Final Twist:

• [27:22] Sam reveals the shocking truth about Dominic's involvement and the real reason behind the murder, tying back to the valuable Padlo Ambergris and the greed it incited.
  • Sam Spade: "He was the first to move... knowing now he hadn't been acquitted at all." [08:43]

Rewarding Loyalty:

• [28:08] After solving the case, Sam rewards Bartolomeo Maggiore for his assistance, showcasing the detective's appreciation for loyalty and integrity.
  • Sam Spade: "I propose to reward you in a fitting manner." [28:08]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sam Spade on Justice:

  • "Shall we proceed with the business at hand?" [02:40]

• Dominic Torio's Intimidation:

  • "Call it advice. There's a hundred bucks in the mail for you. You'll get it this morning." [13:57]

• Fosky's Desperation:

  • "In the hearts of his friends, he was murdered." [06:07]

• Sam Spade's Deduction:

  • "There was a witness." [24:16]
  • "Why would he, of all people?" [23:31]

• Climactic Realization:

  • "He's dead. In an accident. You hurt? What? Plastic. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah." [25:44]

Insights and Themes

"The Crab Louie Caper" explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the intricate dance between truth and deception. Sam Spade's keen observational skills and unwavering determination underscore the timeless appeal of detective fiction. The episode also delves into the complexities of human emotions, particularly jealousy and unrequited love, which serve as powerful motivators for the characters' actions.

Conclusion

This episode stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Sam Spade in radio's detective genre. Through masterful storytelling, rich character development, and suspenseful plot twists, "Crab Louie Caper" captivates listeners, delivering a compelling narrative that remains relevant and engaging decades after its original airing.

---

Note: This summary omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the narrative and key elements of the episode.

Transcript

[Podbean]

Your message amplified.

[Narrator]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean]

Podbean.

[Narrator]

Podbean.

[Podbean]

Podbean. Podbean. The AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Sam Spade]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Sam Spade]

My school uses Podbean.

[Narrator]

My church too.

[Podbean]

I love it. I really do.

[Narrator]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] the National Broadcasting Company presents the Adventures of Sam Spade Detective.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Sam Spade Detective Agency.

[Rosalia]

Buono, buono.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

I beg your pardon.

[Sam Spade]

Suanati il campanello.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Sam, what are you?

[Sam Spade]

Nothing at all, sweetheart. I just happen to have the tourist lists of handy Italian phrases before me.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

North beach never did that to you before, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

North beach never did anybody like it just did me.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

F. But I thought you said old Bartolomeo just wanted you to drop by.

[Sam Spade]

For a frenzy talk and some garlic bread and red wine. But does that explain the knife gash on my coat?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Your new tweed.

[Sam Spade]

My old tweed. Now, cherub, you see, it was never meant to be swum in the bay. Yes.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Not again.

[Sam Spade]

What else? By now your keen feminine instincts should tell you this is not the social call, wonder girl. As a matter of fact, I plan to drop by. Presto, presto. With words Onent. A little something I call View of Fisherman's Wharf from the water or the crab. Louis Caper.

[Narrator]

Transcribed for NBC. William Spear, radio's outstanding producer director of mystery and crime drama, brings you you the greatest private detective of them all in the adventures of Sam Spade.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

John, though. Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Well, ball.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Let me see now. Oh. Anti baro un cabaratore carozela.

[Sam Spade]

Great, great. What's it mean?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

I found my secretary's list of most used Italian phrases, Sam. It means I want a carburetor for my voiturette.

[Sam Spade]

I'll remember that. Shall we proceed with the business at hand?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Ready, Sam?

[Sam Spade]

Date. Fill it in to Bartolomeo Maggiore. Copy to Lieutenant Rossi, North Beach Division, from Samuel Spade, license number 137596. Subject the Crab Louis Caper. Dear Bartolomeo, Fisherman's Wharf, as you know, is as changeable as an Italian wench. All smiles and laughter of a Saturday night with the lights blazing in the cioppino palazzos and the tourists three deep around the steaming cauldrons outside. But it's something else again. Of an early dawn, dark and lonely and quiet except for the mutter of engines as the crab boat snows out into the fog that hang over the gate. Last night was somewhere in between. The lights were blinking out as I left my cab and walked over to your place of business. A gaudily painted building at the foot of the wharf with a red, yellow and blue sign reading Museo Maggiore Curios souvenirs waxworks. Admission 10 cents.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Who is it?

[Sam Spade]

I'm Sam Spade. Bartolomeo called me.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

He isn't here. Fascist grotto at the end of the war.

[Sam Spade]

Thanks. Look, is there anything I can. Sorry. Except for Fosky's at the very end. The wharf was dark now. It seemed early, as if something had interfered with business as usual and the late customers had been brushed off a couple hours ahead of time. I peeked through a hole in one of Fosky's window shades and saw why. It looked like the entire population of north beach was inside.

[Narrator]

If everyone is ready.

[Rosalia]

Was it this?

[Sam Spade]

Me?

[Dominic Torio]

Yes, you.

[Sam Spade]

What do you want? I'm Sam Spade. By telling me your majority sent for me.

[Rosalia]

Ah.

[Fosky]

See.

[Narrator]

See.

[Fosky]

How dear Mr. Spade, you are. Wondering why you are here.

[Sam Spade]

As a matter of fact, I am. Bartolomeo, I thought.

[Dominic Torio]

I know.

[Fosky]

I know it. It's about my son, Louis. My son. My only son.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, he's inside?

[Fosky]

No, no, not inside. Out in the darkness somewhere cold and alone.

[Sam Spade]

You. You meaning.

[Fosky]

Six days now they have searched for his body.

[Dominic Torio]

Oh.

[Sam Spade]

When did it happen?

[Fosky]

One week today.

[Sam Spade]

Crab bone.

[Fosky]

His bought the San Felipe.

[Sam Spade]

Was he alone when it happened?

[Fosky]

You detectives, you strike the point. My Louis always. Always a fish alone. Until this time.

[Sam Spade]

Who went out with him?

[Fosky]

Dominic Torio. His friend Dominic. This gathering is assembled in Dominic's honor, you see.

[Sam Spade]

You mean hearing or something?

[Fosky]

Something more than that. Come listen to them.

[Rosalia]

I'm a sick in my belly. I'm a sick this opera buffo Fact. You should sell him the ticket.

[Dominic Torio]

Keep your temper.

[Sam Spade]

Although.

[Dominic Torio]

State facts.

[Rosalia]

Facts. Facts, huh? All right. Fact. Six year Louis fishy the crab alone each day the layover closed the breaker line and string it apart. Each day he's bringing the San Felipe home. Okie dokie. That's right. Everybody. Until one fine day Dominic hits the go with Louis to help hell.

[Narrator]

Although. Although we must deal in fact.

[Rosalia]

Dominic is suspended. Fact is the truth. He's a kill Louis. Joe is the kill Louis. And you know why? Because he's the one to Rosalia. That's the one.

[Fosky]

See how it is?

[Sam Spade]

Who's Rosalia?

[Fosky]

You must have seen her at the Moselle Klein yes, with Reed. Next week she and my Louis were to be married.

[Sam Spade]

It's tough. You think this Dominic was in love with her? Maybe.

[Fosky]

I think nothing, senor. Two men, friends, alone in a boat in a heavy fog. One of them dies. The other says it is an accident. It is not for us to think or make guesses.

[Sam Spade]

Say, what am I supposed to do.

[Fosky]

In the racket of the police? Signor, my Louis died in an accident. In the hearts of his friends, he was murdered. For my sake, for Dominic's. For the sake of us all, we must know the truth. For this, I prefer to employ one who is professional and impartial. Come. We go in.

[Dominic Torio]

I don't believe it. Believe me. Before heaven, I minister.

[Narrator]

Once again. Dominic. How far was the boat from Seal Rocks?

[Dominic Torio]

100 yards.

[Rosalia]

I think I heard the break.

[Narrator]

Silencio. Let Dominic tell the story. Go on. Now. You had dropped the last crab pot over the side.

[Dominic Torio]

Then something went wrong with the motor. Louis told me to look at it. I went below. Then it happened. Louis was leaning over the gunnel. We untangled a float and the sea took us by the stern. We broached. I saw him go over and plunge into the white water. I brought the boat about. Then for two hours, I yelled, I circled around. I blew the whistle, everything. Then the Coast Guard came. Foski, I swear it. That's all I know. I never saw you yet.

[Rosalia]

Impossible.

[Narrator]

My brothers. It was your will that I sit here in judgment of Dominictorio. Before I go on, are there any more questions? You have to ask him?

[Dominic Torio]

Questions?

[Narrator]

Are there any among you who have evidence to offer against him? So be it. You know as well as I, there is only one verdict here. The charge is dismissed. The court is adjourned.

[Sam Spade]

Everyone was still for a second, like a big tableau. Fosky, white haired and dignified on the platform, looking down at Dominic and the rest of them all on their feet now, boring holes through him with their eyes. He was the first to move, turning slowly walking out through the crowd toward the door, looking tentatively from face to face, knowing now he hadn't been acquitted at all. As one by one, they turned their backs on him. I felt terribly sorry for Dominic until he walked past me and I got a look at his face and his eyes. In my racket, I see that look more often than the next guy. I never saw it any clearer than I did now. It was fear and hatred and guilt. So I left you talking to Fasque Bartolomeo and walked back down to the wharf to the Museo Rosalia. Rosa.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

I told you Bartolomeo is not here.

[Sam Spade]

I've seen Bartolomeo. I want to talk to you. Sit down.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

I don't want to sit down.

[Sam Spade]

That's a good girl. It was quite a place to Museo A catch all for everything nautical you'd run across in 60 odd years of living on the sea or next to it. From a 10 foot shark pickled in formaldehyde to a life size figure of Captain Kidd complete with drawn sword, lace cuffs and treasure chest at his feet. Next to the door. I turned back to Rosalia sitting on a rum keg under a flickering hurricane lamp, the only light in the room.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

What do you want of me?

[Sam Spade]

Bartolomeo wants the truth about what happened on the San Felipe.

[Narrator]

Deciding that at the meeting they already did.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

They did. You mean Dominic. How did they decide?

[Sam Spade]

Dismiss the charges. No evidence, no witnesses. It was the only thing Fosky could do. You feel better?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

It doesn't bring back my Louis.

[Sam Spade]

No, it doesn't. Dominic's going free now from both the law and his people. No vengeance for Louis. Why were you crying when I came by tonight?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Haven't I the right to cry with my Louis?

[Sam Spade]

Drop it.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Huh?

[Sam Spade]

Why didn't you go to the meeting? Afraid to give yourself away?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

I didn't feel like it, that's all.

[Sam Spade]

You're a Sicilian, Rosalia. Vengeance is pretty important to you. If you'd loved Louis, you'd have been in there screaming for Dominic's scalp.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

You shut your mouth.

[Sam Spade]

But no, you sat home crying, not for Louis, but for Dominic, right? How long had it been going on? Did you know Dominic was going to kill him when they put out in the San Felipe?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Why would Dominic kill him?

[Sam Spade]

That's a stupid question. He's in love with.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

In love with me. In love with me.

[Sam Spade]

Drop it. Drop it. Rosalia.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

In love with me. Oh, I wish it was so. Huh. He killed for me. Is that what they say? It's all very flattering. Very. I love Dominic. I've always loved Dominic, since I was a little girl. I threw myself at Dominic and I begged him to marry me. That's not easy for a girl to do, Mr. Spade. I begged him and I promised to work for him, to be his slave.

[Rosalia]

You know what he did?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

He laughed and he spit upon me. And you, you stand there and you tell me that he murdered for the love of me. He wouldn't walk across the street.

[Sam Spade]

All right, all right. Take it easy now. Come on, take it easy.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

So. So I do the silly woman thing. I promise myself to Louis to crazy. Louis. To a madman.

[Sam Spade]

Crazy.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

You don't believe that, huh? Louis the great El Campione. A champion of the crab fisherman. Who dares to fish right on the breaker line. Catches more crab than anyone else. Louis the Fearless. You know why he's fearless? He's too crazy to be afraid.

[Sam Spade]

What do you mean?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

He mutters. He talks to himself of great riches of thousands of dollars. Of him and me, Louis the crab fisherman and me living in the finest house in North Beach.

[Sam Spade]

When was this?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Last week. He went up in Bartolomeo's attic one night. And he came down with a big hunk of his raw wax from the waxworks vitreous, he called it. A stupid lump of wax. And he held it up before me so. And he says with a mad gleam in his eye, from this, Rosalia, from this I will carve for us the biggest, finest house you can dream of. Here, look.

[Sam Spade]

What's Captain Kidd got to do?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

He puts it in the treasure chest. See? You will keep this a secret, Rosalia, he says, if you love me. And he laughs again like a madman. Me love Louis Maggiore? I hated him.

[Sam Spade]

He was too good to be phony. The triangle notion had to go. You could hardly blame Rosalia for thinking he was crazy. In the treasure chest was a hunk of tallow. Not a very fresh hunk at that. And Louis routine with it must have hit her like the graveyard scene from Hamlet. Therefore, having no theory, nor evidence, nor witnesses, I also had no motive. As always in situations like this, I did the sensible thing. I went home and went to bed. Or I thought I went to bed. Hello, Spade.

[Dominic Torio]

Yeah? I got a tip for you. Find yourself a nice, dirty divorce case somewhere. And stay out of North Beach.

[Sam Spade]

This almost sounds like a threat.

[Dominic Torio]

Call it advice. There's a hundred bucks in the mail for you. You'll get it this morning.

[Sam Spade]

Plus a bribe.

[Dominic Torio]

A gift.

[Sam Spade]

Can I keep it if I don't play?

[Dominic Torio]

If you don't play, you won't need it.

[Sam Spade]

I suppose it's useless to ask who this is.

[Dominic Torio]

Louis Maggiore.

[Sam Spade]

Say that again.

[Dominic Torio]

Louis Maggiore. Shall I spell it?

[Sam Spade]

You might explain it.

[Dominic Torio]

You talk to Rosalia. Figure it out for yourself.

[Sam Spade]

Sure, sure. So she never loved you and you knew it. So you go over the side when the coma hits, swim ashore, then discover they think you're dead and decide to leave it that way rather than go through with a wedding.

[Dominic Torio]

You got it.

[Sam Spade]

More so, life without Rosalia and North beach is impossible. You can't face the shame and Loose talk that goes with a busted wedding. So you're going over the hill and find a new life for yourself.

[Dominic Torio]

Wait a minute. Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, there's more. There's more. So you're tossing over a car, a bank account, a boat worth $7,000, walking out on your old man. To say nothing of three years apprenticeship and six years of hard work to get where you are. I understand perfectly. And you're being a little insulting. I make a lot of my dough with my big flat feet, but I do make some of it with my head. Now try again.

[Dominic Torio]

You don't believe I'm Louie Maggiore?

[Sam Spade]

That is the general idea. And it might surprise you to know that five minutes ago I was ready to chuck the whole antipasto. Now I'm back in with both feet. What's with the music box?

[Dominic Torio]

Nothing. Tell me, would you know Louie if you saw him?

[Sam Spade]

I've seen his picture.

[Dominic Torio]

Fine. I guess I'll have to prove it to you. If I satisfy you, I'm Louis Maggiore, will you stay home?

[Sam Spade]

Scout's honor. Now, where do we prove it?

[Dominic Torio]

You know Castellani's Grotto halfway out in the wharf? Yeah, There's a ramp running around behind it. I'll see you there in a half hour.

[Sam Spade]

I know just what you're going to say, Bartolomeo, but I didn't go alone. Roscoe was right there with me with his safety off. It was the kind of spog San Francisco puts on once a year for the tourists, just to nail down its position as runner up to London. I had to feel my way along the row of dark chowder houses to Castellani's. Except for the foghorn and the lapping of the water below, there wasn't a sound. The only cheerful thing in the picture was Roscoe, who was now out of my pocket at the ready. I eased up to the corner of Castellani's. There was an alley between it and the next building leading around. On the ramp over the water, I could see the glow of his cigarette first. Then I made him out in a slouch hat and overcoat. He was standing at the rail.

[Dominic Torio]

Spade right here.

[Podbean]

Podbean, your message amplified.

[Narrator]

Ready to share your message with the world. Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Sam Spade]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean]

Use Podbean to record your podcast.

[Narrator]

Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Podbean]

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

[Narrator]

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Podbean]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Dominic Torio]

Well, you satisfied now?

[Sam Spade]

I'll let you know. I moved out from the side of the building and walked toward him. You must have known about Roscoe, because he didn't move. Just let me come right up next to him. I was stupid, sure, but it wouldn't have worked for him except for the fog. Two feet away, I saw what I thought was Louie with a booby trap. The hat and overcoat were slung over a piling with a burning cigarette on the rail next to one of the sleeves. I rolled to one side just in time. The knife slashed through the padding on my left shoulder and he was on me. Rascoe went in the drink and I took on the arm with a knife with my two hands and 32 teeth, unhappily overlooking a spare foot he knew.

[Narrator]

What to do with.

[Sam Spade]

I went through the railing like in a silent version of a sea wolf, arriving thus in the limpid and soothing waters of San Francisco Bay. At the moment, I was not sorry.

[Narrator]

You are listening to the weekly adventure of radio's most famous detective, Sam Spade. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Sunday Theater Guild on the Air presents one of the greatest dramatic undertakings in the history of radio. It's a full hour and a half adaptation of Shakespeare's masterpiece Hamlet. The immortal lines and matchless beauty of Hamlet come to life Sunday with John Gielgud, Dorothy Maguire, and Pamela Brown in Theater Guild on the air. And a reminder, this Sunday also means another gala broadcast of the big show. And now back to the Crab Louie Caper. Tonight's adventure with Sam Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Wetting my finger and holding it up in the wind, I quickly determined where north was and just as quickly decided there was no percentage in swimming the Golden Gate. A bright blur on my starboard bow called to mind the old saying, where there's a light, there's light. So I headed there. Three strokes this side of exhaustion, I pulled up at what proved to be a landing with a Jacob's ladder, at the top of which I found the rear entrance to Fosky's, or more accurately, Foskey's private office. The door was open. I'm Sam Spade. I've been swimming, if you're wondering.

[Fosky]

Bartolomeo told me about you.

[Narrator]

He didn't say you were crazy.

[Sam Spade]

Well, maybe he didn't know. You wouldn't have a brandy lying around loose, would you? Sure.

[Fosky]

Sit down.

[Sam Spade]

Thanks. I think I saw Louie tonight.

[Dominic Torio]

Louie?

[Fosky]

Impossible.

[Sam Spade]

Where? Behind Castellani's Yeah. Bus you, Fosque. Oh, hit me again, will you? Yeah. But what about Louis? Call me up. Said he'd meet me there. Just tried to knife me, but it's impossible. Is it?

[Narrator]

Why would he play Dane? And why would he try to kill you?

[Sam Spade]

Maybe he's crazy.

[Fosky]

How do you mean?

[Sam Spade]

You've heard of the dear old lady who had the trunk full of pancakes, haven't you? Louie saves old Tallow. Captain Kidd's treasure chest at the museo is full of it.

[Fosky]

Who told you this?

[Sam Spade]

Rosalia showed it to me. May I?

[Fosky]

Help yourself.

[Sam Spade]

Thanks. Might be a good idea to call another meeting and tell the people. Make it easier for Dominic. Funny of the whole meeting here.

[Fosky]

I alone doubted his guilt.

[Sam Spade]

Good thing they made you the judge, or he might be six feet under by now. Got a cigarette?

[Fosky]

You're in the box there, next to the phone.

[Sam Spade]

Thanks. Yeah, I. I went right along with him, too. Shows how wrong you can be.

[Fosky]

When you went.

[Sam Spade]

When you. When you go by emotions and not by evidence. This is quite a cigarette box.

[Dominic Torio]

Yes.

[Fosky]

It stops when you put it down. Well, I suppose now you'll drop your assignment.

[Sam Spade]

Sure, sure. I'm a detective, not a psychiatrist. You got a lunatic running around, that's your problem. Good night, Fosky, and thanks for the brandy. If Roscoe had been along, I might have played it differently. But when you're sitting across a coffee table from a guy you suddenly realize has the wet cement already, you do what I did. Make polite noises and concentrate on getting out on two feet. It was seven to three. Dominic was stashed in a handy closet listening to the whole thing. Which was handy since the next obvious move was his room in a house on Jefferson Street. A rooming house owned and operated by a four corsage bosom type lady known as Mama Luca, senor.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

I don't know nothing. I don't know nothing.

[Sam Spade]

You're scared, Mama. Did Dominic threaten you?

[Rosalia]

No, no, no.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Don't ask me.

[Sam Spade]

He killed Louis Maggiore. I gotta know why.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

I don't know why. I don't know nothing about it.

[Sam Spade]

Louis came here?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Yes. Yes, Louis came here the night before it happened.

[Sam Spade]

Why?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

I don't know. He was all excited. A handful of wax.

[Sam Spade]

Wax?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

You know.

[Sam Spade]

What about it?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

He showed it to Dominique and they go into his room and talk. And then he ran off to send a telegram.

[Sam Spade]

Telegraph office, huh? Well, since it's official business, I can let you read the office copy. Here. This message just came in tonight. Dominic Torrio, regarding your inquiry analysis of Samples sent here by Louis Maggiore. Highly promising if quality, uniform and weight correct. Would estimate value minimum $60,000. Hartley Associates, Vancouver, B.C. a lump of smelly stuff that looked like old tallow picked out of the Ocean and worth 60,000 was a strong enough clue for even stupid Sam to pick up. I left the telegraph office on the double and pulled up at the Museo Maggiore ten minutes later. Blasted lock is jammed. He was too busy to notice me. I slid a marlin spike out of a rack next to the rum keg.

[Dominic Torio]

Locked.

[Fosky]

Must be locked.

[Sam Spade]

I hate to do this, Fosky. Wait a minute.

[Dominic Torio]

Wait.

[Sam Spade]

The next voice you'll hear will be the nurse with a breakfast tray.

[Fosky]

What have you. Look. What have you done?

[Sam Spade]

His Honor was playing Pandora with Captain Kidd's treasury treasure box. But why? Who is it?

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Who?

[Sam Spade]

Vaski surprised Fasky.

[Fosky]

Why would he, of all people?

[Sam Spade]

He likes a buck as well as the next one. Possibly even more when there are 60,000 of them.

[Fosky]

$60,000?

[Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Fosky]

Is he mad?

[Sam Spade]

Like a fox. Here, let me pry this cover off. There.

[Fosky]

What is this?

[Sam Spade]

It may not look like much to you and me, but to a perfume manufacturer it's prettier than the Venus de Milo. Padlo Ambergris. It's what happens when a whale gets a tummy ache. Louis must have run onto it 10 days ago.

[Fosky]

$60,000?

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, that's the big why of it. Bartelle Mayo.

[Fosky]

What now? You think fast.

[Sam Spade]

He won't talk. Neither will Dominic. It's their next and they know it. Still two men alone in a fog. In a boat. See, there were only a witness.

[Fosky]

There was a witness. The eye of God was on Dominic when he did it. And the judgment of God is swift and is sure Dominic knows it.

[Sam Spade]

You think so?

[Fosky]

I know Dominic. Why you ask?

[Sam Spade]

There's a way to find out. What time is it?

[Fosky]

Half past one.

[Sam Spade]

There's time. Where do you keep your razor racer? Yeah. I'm going to shave Captain Kidd. Which I did, finishing around 2am and during the next three hours I got wet, cold and seasick in the order named but made it back to the museo in time for a couple of stiff horns of grapple before you and I hustled down to the wharf where Dominic was picking up bait for his crab nets.

[Dominic Torio]

Dominic, huh?

[Fosky]

Oh, the palomao and the senor Spade.

[Dominic Torio]

I remember Mr. Spade. Yeah.

[Sam Spade]

Last night in back of Castellane's.

[Dominic Torio]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Sam Spade]

Sure, Dominic. It's all a horrible mistake.

[Dominic Torio]

Lay off me, will you? Herbert Foskey said, didn't you? They dropped the charges. I'm innocent. They cleared me.

[Sam Spade]

That's just why we're here.

[Dominic Torio]

We.

[Fosky]

We want to make it up to you, my boy.

[Dominic Torio]

What's in your mind?

[Sam Spade]

You did Louis a great favor, dominic. When his 32 crab pots got too much for him to handle, you went along to help him. Today. We're going along to help you now. When do we cast off? There's a float up ahead.

[Fosky]

What color?

[Dominic Torio]

Yellow and red.

[Sam Spade]

Is that yours, Dominic?

[Dominic Torio]

That's mine.

[Narrator]

Great, great.

[Sam Spade]

Pull up alongside.

[Dominic Torio]

Well, what's this all about?

[Sam Spade]

I told you, Dominic.

[Dominic Torio]

You're lying. What are you trying to do, break me down? He's dead. In an accident. You hurt? What? Plastic. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Sam Spade]

Forget it, Dominic. Forget it. We love you like a brother.

[Dominic Torio]

I told you the truth. I told the truth. What are you trying to do, Torture me? Is that what you want? Revenge?

[Sam Spade]

No.

[Fosky]

The matter is in other hands now.

[Dominic Torio]

You mean.

[Fosky]

There is always one witness, isn't there, Dominic?

[Dominic Torio]

Oh, that's what you mean, huh? Is that why you came? To tell me that? That's a good one. Hold the wheel, spade. I'll bait my neck. I'll spit in your eye. One day, old man. One day. When you get smart, you in a whole lousy war.

[Sam Spade]

Both watched him hold alive on the deck, rattling to himself like a little kid whistling in the dark. He was a lousy actor, pale under his sunburn and drenched with.

[Dominic Torio]

I won't let you forget.

[Sam Spade]

Coil by coil. Then it began to come slower and make it stick.

[Dominic Torio]

When I can prove it in court, I'll sue you till you plead. Hey, what's the matter here? What's pulling on this line?

[Sam Spade]

Maybe it's your conscience, Dominic. It's.

[Dominic Torio]

It's heavy. It's what?

[Fosky]

The Lord moves in strange ways.

[Dominic Torio]

Hey, Jack, get it up.

[Sam Spade]

Let me help you. There we go. One, two.

[Rosalia]

Oh, Louie, you're late for me. Let me go, Louie. No.

[Sam Spade]

I hauled Louie up onto the deck, and a grisly sight he was too. With a knife still sticking in his back. I figured that that was where Dominic would put it. I was right. Not that it mattered, because Dominic wasn't thinking logically. From the moment he saw Louie's body tangled in his crab line. He sang us all 50 verses then and there and repeated them for the police stenographer. Later, when we got him to headquarters, it looks like a first degree rap for both him and Fusky. But I'm waiting till it happens before telling him the corpse was Captain Kidding. Minus beard and ruffles. Period. End of report.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Damn. Again and again I rediscover you.

[Sam Spade]

And each time a new facet, a new thrill.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

You're just wonderful.

[Sam Spade]

It's true. True. But it pleases me to hear it from you. F. And so I propose to reward you in a fitting manner.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

First back salary.

[Sam Spade]

Tut, tut. A carburetor for your voischerette. And second back salary, 10 free tickets to the Museo Maggiore. Third, an invitation to accompany me, your employer, to browse upon two bowls of cherry pino tonight at Castellani. And four. I give up back salary.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Count it, girl. Count it and bless you. The watcher at complete with carburetor will call at your door in precisely one hour.

[Narrator]

Until then, then.

[Bartolomeo Maggiore]

Good night, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Good night, sweetheart.

[Narrator]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC. You're invited to a one hour concert tomorrow by the renowned NBC Symphony under the direction of noted conductor Wilfred Pelletier. Featured soloist on tomorrow's symphony performance is Helen Traubel. For the world's greatest music, hear the NBC Symphony tomorrow and every Saturday. Tonight's transcribed Adventure of Sam Spade was produced, edited and directed by William Spears. Sam Spade was played by Stephen Dunn. Loreen Tuttle as Effie. Script for tonight's adventure by Harold Swanton. Musical scoring by Lud Gluskin conducted by Robert Armbruster. Join us again next week, same time, for another adventure with Sam Spade. Through the years, the Red Cross has helped the victims of disaster and helped protect the health of our nation. Today, with the country rising to meet the challenge of possible aggression, the Red Cross has been asked by the government to undertake additional tremendous tasks. A goal of $85 million must be reached during the 1951 Red Cross campaign. This year, when you support the Red Cross, you'll be helping to mobilize for the defense of our nation. Join the magnificent Montague. Then it's Duffy's Tavern on NBC.